Strengthen, Never Weaken (Ushijima Wakatoshi x Male! Reader)

Chapter 3

Hey guys! I wasn't sure if anyone was waiting for an update, no promises I'll be constantly updating. But I wanted to write a little something for now. 

Thank you!

Ushijima's P.O.V.

I could feel my face heat up as each millisecond passed.

The natural blush that covered my face from practice did a great job at hiding how I felt in the heat of the moment.

Did he just wink at me?

I'm not sure where or how that came about but for some odd reason I wasn't mad.

It was a breath of fresh air that y/n was being confident in his skills.

It wasn't the baseless self-confidence I have come to loathed. He has the skills; it was no wonder why he was one of the next generation volleyball stars and a potential U-19 squad member.

Yet, when he stared in directly into my eyes, I could see his eyes glistening like the times his spikes would break through the blockers,

Those very same eyes that I have come to appreciate, especially when he studied carefully when he watched me play.

I'm at a standstill at what to do – how do I comfort him in this time of crisis? Should I be stricter as the older one? Do I say upfront what is on my mind? This is a lot more painful and too existential for my liking.

I usually am straightforward, right?

"Hey Tendō, how do I usually comfort you?"

"Ushijima, you've never comforted me. Are you alright in the head?"

"Be serious. I have, just use that tiny pea brain right now and think harder!"

"Hmm, I guess you say what's on your mind, even if it is blunt, it's usually with the best of your intentions, and then you go back to being super serious."

"Okay thanks."

I guess I'll go home and try to figure out what I want to say... why am I trying so hard?

Your P.O.V.

Practice went on fine, the pain lingered but not putting 100% strength made the burden a little lighter.

"Mum, Dad, I'm home!"

I quickly take off the brown loafers that is a requirement for Shiratorizawa Academy students, store them neatly where all our other shoes were, and my parents greeted me with worried eyes.

"You're home later than your usual again y/n." Dad quips.

"Took the long route home with Shirabu and stopped by the convenience store."

"You've been very off since Nationals y/n. Your studies haven't taken a hit but there is a stark difference. Did you want to take a break from volleyball? Maybe, it's time to give it a rest for now..." Mum mutters.

"No! No... everything is fine, I've just lost some confidence that's all. Mum and Dad, please don't take volleyball away from me. I cannot let it leave me again, this is all I have right now."

Dad sighs,

"Alright, we won't but we're just scared your injury will flare up again. We know that you're one of the best in the nation, but you're our son first and foremost."

Mum chimes in,

"We love you y/n, but sometimes we do worry if we pushed you too much, that's why we recommended Aoba Johsai. All the rehabilitation in the world isn't going to magically repair the past you know."